What is an au pair?

An au pair is a young person from abroad employed by a ‘host family’ to care for their children. Au pairs provide a live-in form of childcare and provide a unique cultural and learning experience. When we think about what an au pair offers a family, it is hard to simply label their role as ‘childcare’ or ‘kind of like a live-in nanny’ – because it is much more than a job. An au pair joins your family to bond with the children and provide one-on-one care, love and stability in the place which matters most – your child’s home.

The word ‘au pair’ comes from the French word ‘on par’ or ‘equal to’ and with most au pairs living with the host family for up to a year, it’s not surprising they become an integral and much loved family member. It’s not uncommon for au pairs and families to stay in touch after their time together.